Under pressure from Barcelona, coach Ronald Koeman held an awkward press conference on Wednesday as he read a pre-prepared statement before leaving without answering questions.
Koeman’s situation is fragile, with the team’s strategy and style in check after last week’s 1-1 draw at home to Granada in La Liga following a 3-0 loss by Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
At his press conference, Koeman sat down and was introduced by the club’s press officer, who said that the Dutchman wanted to read a short statement.
Reading from a piece of paper, Koman said: “Hello everyone. With me as coach the club is in a rebuilding position.
“The club’s financial position is linked to sporting activities and vice versa. This means that as a team we have to rebuild the team without making any major financial investments. It needs time.
“Today’s young talent could be the next big world star in just a few years. Young players like Xavi and Iniesta will be given opportunities to rebuild this team. But we must ask for patience.
“Achieving a high ranking in La Liga is a great success. In the Champions League we cannot expect miracles. The loss to Bayern Munich last week has to be analyzed from this point of view.
“The process we are in right now with employees and the team deserves unconditional support in words and actions. I know the press recognizes this process.
“This is not the first time in the history of Barcelona. We count on your support during this difficult time.
“As staff and players, we are very pleased with the great support from the fans, as we received in the match against Granada. Visca Barca, thank you all.”
Several names, including Xavi Hernandez, Roberto Martínez and Antonio Conte, have been mentioned as possible successors to the 58-year-old Koman, whose relationship with club president Joan Laporta has been strained in recent weeks.
After Bayern’s loss at home, Laporta posted a video addressed to Barcelona supporters in which he said: “I am as disappointed and upset as all of you … there is no doubt that we will resolve this situation.”
Koman was asked about the club losing its identity after Monday’s draw against Granada.
His team conceded 54 crosses and ended the game with central defenders Gerard Pique and Ronald Araujo.
“If you see the list of players, what do you do? Play Tiki-Taki? Tiki-taki when there’s no room?” Koman said.
“We did what we had to do. We tried to win the other way round. We don’t have face-to-face or pace players. We’re talking… I won’t say anything more because it feels like I have to The matter has to be debated.”
Barcelona head to Cadiz in La Liga on Thursday, winning two and drawing two of their opening four league games.
read all breaking news, breaking news And coronavirus news Here
.